Frankel says farewell to staff; Muoio prepares to take over

Mayor Lois Frankel said goodbye to her staff today, preparing to hand the power over to Jeri Muoio after eight years in office.

Frankel had a meeting with department heads and gave each one a personalized note, while staff organized a farewell party for Frankel in the Flagler Gallery at city hall.

“It’s a very emotional day,” Frankel said.

Frankel will give a farewell speech at tomorrow’s special commission meeting beginning at 2:45 p.m., and Muoio will be sworn at 3 p.m. Afterward, Keith James will be sworn in as commissioner of District 4, the seat Muoio previously held.

Commissioner Ike Robinson, who ran unopposed in District 2, will also be sworn in for another two year term.

After the swearing in, Muoio will hold an inauguration celebration at E.R. Bradley’s Saloon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“It’ll be a little bit of a transition I’m sure from Thursday night to Friday morning,” Muoio said. “I already have meetings set up Friday morning, Friday afternoon, people to talk to. We’ll jump right into it.”

The public is invited to meet with Muoio on Friday from 10 a.m. to noon on the second floor of city hall.

“It’s just to say hello, to talk, to listen to what people might want to share with me, the ideas they have,” Muoio said. “We’ll be available.”